M.F. from Los Angeles County, California writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Is a shared carport considered a Common Area or Exclusive Use Common Area?
Mister Condo replies:
M.F., not all shared carports are created equal! By definition any “shared” element is a limited common element. However, since multiple unit owners (but not all) have exclusive use of the element, it could be handled in a few different manners. The simplest would be to consider it a limited common area that is owned and maintained by the Association. However, I know of many associations where the governing documents assign responsibility for the care and maintenance of limited common area to the owners whose use the element is limited to. In your case, that would be you and whoever you share the use of the carport with. Regardless of what kind of common area your shared carport is, you would have to refer to your governing documents to see who actually is responsible for the care and maintenance of the structure. I know that isn’t a specific answer but I hope it helps.